Typhoon Hagupit Hit the Philippines

             In “Typhoon hits Philippines; thousands evacuate coast”, Ramzy discuses the disaster that occurred on Saturday when Typhoon Hagupit hit the Philippines (2). According to Ramzy, “Although Hagupit was weaker Saturday than the earlier typhoon, which killed more than 7,000 people, it is most powerful storm to hit the country this year“ (2). The typhoon hit land approximately 9:15 pm near the town of Dolores that is located on the eastern Samar Island (Ramzy 2). Although the storm had weakened somewhat as it approached the island, it still had strong winds sustained around 108 mph near its center (Ramzy 2).  Experts stated, “ that more extensive evacuations could have saved many lives” in the storm that hit last year (Ramzy 2).  However, the article did not discuss any measures to keep the people of the Philippines safe and efforts to prevent this from happening in this storm.  The storm is expected to last three days causing heavy rain and possible landslides (Ramzy 2).  According to Ramzy, “The army was deployed to stores and major roads in providences in the typhoon’s path to try to prevent the type of looting and violence that occurred after Haiyan hit last year (2).

In my opinion, I feel bad for the people in the Philippines. They lost their loved ones, clothes, and homes. It’s a tragedy that 7,00 people died last year and maybe more deaths to come this year as a result of this typhoon. According this article, more could have been done to save these people if evacuation plans were in place. I wonder if people weren't warned about the storm or the typhoon hit so suddenly that they had no time to warn natives.  I wish the government could build a wall or some type of barrier so the people of the Philippines could be protected from any natural disaster. They need to have a good action plan so the people of the Philippines would know where to go in the event that this should occur again. I hope the government is working on this so the next time a typhoon hit it would not cause this much casualties.                                       

                                                      Work Cited

Ramzy, Austin. “Typhoon hits Philippines;thousands evacuate coast”. Atlanta Journal Constitution: Cox media group 7 Dec 2014. Web. 7 Dec 2014

South Korea Ferry Sinks Killing 304

             In “Death sought for S. Korea ferry boss”, Sang-Hun discusses the case of the captain and his crew who are faced with the death penalty for the South Korean ferry that sank earlier this year (3). According to Choe, the ship sank on April 16 south west of South Korea and killing 304 people (3). “It was carrying twice as much cargo legally allowed, and much of it was poorly secured, prosecutors said” (Choe 3).  Choe stated, prosecutors discussed that the captain and his crew did nothing to help the passengers when the ship was sinking (Choe 3).  He did not even attempt to help after he was rescued from the ship (Choe 3). In addition, the crewmembers did not do their part to warn the passengers that the 6,825-ton ship was sinking  (Choe 3).  Instead, the passengers were instructed to stay put several times and the crew got on the first coastguard boat and left the ship (Choe 3). 

Work Cited

Sang-Hun, Choe. “Death sought for S. Korea ferry boss”. Atlanta Journal Constitution: Cox media group 28 Oct 2014. Web. 16 Nov 2014

In my opinion, the captain and his crewmen were guilty of murder. They knew the ship was sinking and there were several lives on the ship that they were responsible for.  Why didn’t they just help?  They could have evacuated the ship or at least sound the alarm.  If they would’ve help, maybe less people would be dead today.  I strongly feel like they should get life in prison for this crime. I have been on a cruise ship before. Before the ship sails, everyone has to go on deck for a safety drill in the event the ship sinks.  This is a requirement for all ships.  The least they could of done was sound the alarm so people would know that the ship was in danger.  My biggest concern is for the families of the passenger.  I hope the families are okay.  It must be hard losing your loved one to an accident that could’ve been easily prevented.http://digital.olivesoftware.com/Olive/ODE/AtlantaJournalconstitutionNIE/

            

              In “Himalayas death toll rises”, Gurubacharya discusses the after effect of a series of blizzards and avalanches that hit the Himalayas in central Nepal (5).   According to Gurubacharya, at least 27 people are confirmed dead and “about 70 people were still missing along or near the popular Annapuma trail” (5).  This accident occurred in a route 100 miles northwest of Nepal capital, Katmandu (5).  Unfortunately, the bodies have not been identified and they authorities expect the death to rise (Gurubacharya 5).  Gurubacharya also noted that there have been several other deaths this winter resulting in deaths in and around this location (5).  “Climate experts say rising global temperatures have contributed to the avalanches in the Himalayas” (Gurubacharya 5).

I feel sad for the people of Nepals and the people who came from other countries to walk this trail and ended up hurt or dead.  According to the articles, this is a time of year that the people in Nepals have their festival and several people from out of the country visits (Gurubacharya 5).  I am not sure why the weatherman or government did not warn the people in that area about the weather conditions was changing and may contribute to an avalanche.  In my opinion, this accident probably could have been prevented.

Work Cited

Gurubacharya, Binaj. “Himalayas death toll rises”. Atlanta Journal Constitution: Cox media group 17 Oct 2014. Web. 29 Oct 2014

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EBOLA- A Medical Disaster

In “Nigeria declared Ebola-free by WHO”, Faul and Njunga discusses the impact of the Ebola deadly virus on the people of Nigeria (8).  The country of Nigeria has 160 million people but had only 20 cases of Ebola including the eight people that died from the disease  (Faul and Njunga 8).   According to Faul and Njunga, this is great news compared to other cities in Africa (8).  “Some 9,000 people have been infected with Ebola, and about 4,500 have died“ throughout Africa  (Faul and Njuna 8).  Experts are hoping that we will see less people dying of the Ebola virus if they would drink lots of water and stay hydrated (Faul and Njunga 8).

In my opinion, the thought of being infected with a virus like the Ebola virus is very scary.  This virus is now out of Africa and is spreading throughout other geographic regions of the world such as Georgia.  I am very worried because my mother works in a hospital and can get exposed to the Ebola virus.  I wish there was a way to keep this virus from spreading.  It is really sad to know that people in the medical field are dying from this disease because they were trying to help the people in Africa.  How do you feel about the Ebola virus in America?

Work Cited

Faul, Michelle and Andrew Njunga. “Nigeria declared Ebola-free by WHO”. Atlanta Journal Constitution: Cox media group 21 Oct 2014. Web. 21 Oct 2014

http://digital.olivesoftware.com/Olive/ODE/AtlantaJournalconstitutionNIE/

Cyclone Hit India and Typhoon Hits Japan

             In “Strong cyclone lashes India; typhoon hits Japan”, Shfeeq discusses a cyclone hitting India and typhoon hitting Japan (4).  The cyclone in India had sweep through killing six people and causing damages to the crops and buildings (Shfeeq 4).  ”The storm also wrecked communication services and the electrical supplied in the region” (Shfeeq 4).  According to Shfeeq, Japan had at least 35 people injured from the typhoon (Shffeq 4).  Winds from the typhoon were up to 110 mph and the cyclone in India had winds of 120 mph (Shfeeq 4).  Authorities told the people on the island of Kyushu and coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh to evacuate (4).  U.S military told islanders on Okinawa to stay indoors until strong wind and rain settle (4).                                                                     

            I am surprised that this event is similar to the Eruption on Mount Ontake.  In both events, the community lost their homes and some lost their love ones.  This recent unexpected natural disaster effected many families in different locations of the world.  I am shocked there were two natural disasters occurring simultaneously; one in India and one in Japan.  Winds of 110-120 affected both countries in different locations.   It must be very difficult when you have to evacuate your home because of a storm or the threat of a possible storm.  I am sure that the government will assist the community after these tragic events but it is not the same when you have to leave your home with all of your personal belongings.   In addition, each event resulted in the unexpected death or love ones.  I would hate to be a part of a natural disaster that resulted in the death of a loved one or someone I know.  Have you lived through a natural disaster or know someone who has experienced something similar? 

Work Cited

Shfeeq, Mohammed. “Strong cyclone lashes India; typhoon hits Japan”. Atlanta Journal Constitution: Cox media group 13 Oct 2014. Web. 13 Oct 2014

http://digital.olivesoftware.com/Olive/ODE/AtlantaJournalconstitutionNIE/

Mount Ontake Eruption

In “Volcano’s eruption in Japan leaves 40 injured, 7 missing”, Mortisugu discuses the volcanic eruption on Mount Ontake in central Japan on Saturday (3). The volcano surprisingly erupted before noon leaving gas and ash high in the sky and covering the land with ashes (Mortisugu 3). According to Mortisugu, there were at least 40 injured people in areas rescue workers have been unable to reach and 7 people were reported missing (3). The injured people were unable to go down the 10,062-foot mountain without help so they stayed on the mountain in lodges (Mortisugu 3). Unfortunately, small volcanic eruptions continued to happen into the night (Mortisugu 3). “About 250 people were initially trapped on the slopes, but most had made their way down by Saturday night, Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported”(Mortisugu 3).

I learned that Mount Ontake is the second highest volcano in Japan.  The volcano, located some 200km (125 miles) west of Tokyo, stands at 3,067 meters (10,062 feet) high.  I feel awful for the people of Japan.  This is a terrible event that will change so many people’s lives.  I would hate for me or one of my family members to be trapped and/or injured as a result f a volcano.  Also, the 7 missing people’s families must be devastated because they don’t know if their loved ones are dead or alive. In addition, it must be difficult for them to know that they are not able to help them or give them the supplies they need.

Article Link:

http://digital.olivesoftware.com/Olive/ODE/AtlantaJournalconstitutionNIE/

Work Cited

Mortisugu, Ken. “Volcano’s eruption in Japan leaves 40 injured, 7 missing”. Atlanta Journal Constitution: Cox media group 28 Sept 2014: A3. Print.